Noorderkwartier Zwolle: characteristic city district with green Singelpark

News item, Area and Property Development

Noorderkwartier will be transformed into a city district with about 700 new homes and plenty of space for new employment opportunities and amenities: schools, restaurants, work and culture. With a unique combination of repurposed existing buildings and new builds. This circular principle will give the area character. Today, the bench of Mayor and Aldermen adopted the Noorderkwartier area concept plan and sent it to the municipal council for the final decision-making. The area concept plan is an important step in the development of the 14-hectare area: a part of Noordereiland and a part of Dieze-West. It is an expansion of Zwolle’s compact city centre.

The owner’s coalition of Noorderkwartier (consisting of the municipality of Zwolle, the Central Government Real Estate Agency, VanWonen, DLH Ontwikkeling [VolkerWessels] and Lenferink) has asked urban development agency West8 to create the area concept plan, together with residents, entrepreneurs, housing associations and cultural parties in the city. The concept plan is in line with the Stadshart Development Programme previously adopted by the municipal council, which is geared towards inner-city growth and the greening of Zwolle’s city centre.

Unique collaboration
The area concept plan is the next step in the development programme ‘Our City Heart of Tomorrow’. Alderman Monique Schuttenbeld is very enthusiastic about it: “This area concept plan sets out how we want to develop Noorderkwartier. It will be turned into a beautiful part of Zwolle, very diverse and contemporary. I am impressed by it. Moreover, this is a unique collaboration, between the municipality, market parties and the Central Government Real Estate Agency. I’m proud of the way we are working together in the owners’ coalition and with the city. We are all focusing on the best plan for Zwolle. I look forward to what comes next.” The next step is to create a Spatial Development Plan, which will be more concrete than the area concept plan.

Accessible for everyone
The new neighbourhood will be an accessible and attractive area for everyone. A key aspect is the connection with the surrounding neighbourhoods. The northern part of Noorderkwartier is part of Dieze-West; this means that when the project is finished, Dieze-West will literally be situated on the banks of the canal. Diezerpoort shopping centre will be given a more open appearance and will fit in better with its surroundings. In Noordereiland, a neighbourhood will be created that is in keeping with the rest of the historic city centre. Noorderkwartier will be as green as possible, with the new Singelpark at its heart. There will be much space for walking, picnics, sports and playing. A new footbridge will be built, to connect the walking routes between the historic city centre and Dieze. Walking and cycling through Noorderkwartier – on the way to the city centre, for instance – will become very easy and pleasant. Cars will be considered guests. Parking will be partly under the buildings in various mobility hubs. The existing Diezerpoort car park will be such a centre hub. Much attention is paid to the sustainable use of energy and water, and the impact on the climate. We will strengthen the performing arts in the area; a ‘cultural square’ or ‘city stage’ will be created behind the building of the Tax and Customs Administration. Starting next year, we will offer a place for creativity and neighbourhood initiatives that will breathe life into the area.

More information
You can find the full area concept plan at noorderkwartierzwolle.nl/gebiedsvisie. There will be an information evening for all who are interested on Tuesday 4 July, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hedon. For further details, please visit www.noorderkwartierzwolle.nl.